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Instances of an infection with norovirus — a extremely contagious germ that causes extreme vomiting and diarrhea — are rising throughout the nation.
It’s commonplace to see a surge in norovirus instances in February. The CDC calls December by March the height of the season. Nonetheless, the numbers are an enchancment over final February, when the nationwide constructive check price for norovirus was about 15 %. Yearly, norovirus causes 19 to 21 million instances of acute gastroenteritis in america, and this season is anticipated to be no totally different.
Though norovirus is typically known as “abdomen flu,” well being authorities stress that the virus just isn’t associated to influenza.
Norovirus Causes Intestine-Wrenching Sickness
“That is the time of yr for norovirus,” says Stuart C. Ray, MD, a professor within the division of infectious ailments on the Johns Hopkins College Faculty of Drugs in Baltimore. “Once I was a medical pupil virtually 40 years in the past, it was generally referred to as the ‘winter vomiting sickness.’”
As with the flu, norovirus rapidly spreads within the winter months when folks spend extra time in shut contact indoors.
As a result of these contaminated could have vomiting and diarrhea a number of instances a day, dehydration is a threat, particularly in younger kids, older adults, and other people with different sicknesses.
“There’s no particular remedy for norovirus an infection,” says Dr. Ray. “Simply keep hydrated. Oral rehydration mixes [solutions of salt, sugar, and water] are efficient. Considerably dehydrated folks ought to search medical care.”
Norovirus Spreads Simply in Group Settings
Well being officers word that outbreaks of norovirus are frequent in sure settings the place massive teams collect or dwell, comparable to colleges, day care services, and nursing properties.
Keep away from Catching Norovirus
Folks can simply get the bug by touching objects comparable to doorknobs, keyboards, and counters, after which placing their fingers to their mouth. The germs might also unfold immediately from an contaminated individual, or from consuming or ingesting one thing contaminated with norovirus. In actual fact, instances of norovirus are continuously known as “meals poisoning.”
Ray mentions that completely cooked meals are usually safer however “even steaming doesn’t inactivate norovirus reliably.”
Handwashing is among the greatest methods to decrease your threat of contracting the norovirus. The CDC advises washing your arms fastidiously with cleaning soap and water, particularly after utilizing the bathroom, altering a diaper, taking drugs, and earlier than consuming, making ready, or dealing with meals. In case you do get sick, keep away from others to assist restrict the unfold.
“Alcohol-based hand sanitizers will help, however they don’t seem to be as efficient as cleaning soap and water,” says Robert H. Hopkins Jr., MD, the medical director of the Nationwide Basis for Infectious Ailments. “In case you or somebody in your family does get sick with norovirus, make sure you clear and disinfect surfaces.”
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